Cancer affects approximately 50% of dogs over 10 years old, with palliative care approaches increasingly focused on maintaining quality of life alongside or instead of curative treatment.
Cancer diagnosis in dogs requires owners and veterinarians to navigate difficult decisions about treatment goals. Curative-intent treatment may extend life but reduce its quality during intensive therapy; palliative care accepts the progressive nature of disease while maximizing comfort and function. Neither approach is universally correct - the welfare-optimal choice depends on cancer type, the dog's overall health, and the specific treatments involved. Quality of life assessment tools help owners monitor whether treatment is serving their dog's welfare and provide a framework for end-of-life decisions.